As a job hunter, you might be asking yourself, why is it so hard to find a job? Finding a job can be hard, demoralizing, and exhausting. There can be a lot of reasons why your job hunt might not be going well. A bad economy means jobs are scarce and job hunters are plentiful. In that situation, employers can be picky, getting top tier talent at bargain prices.
Similarly, if you’re in a highly saturated career, finding a position in any economy can be difficult. You will need to develop your talent to stand out or be extremely lucky to succeed.
Luckily for most of us, finding a job is a matter of hard work, perseverance, and not getting discouraged. You also need to make sure you’re presenting yourself in the best way possible during your job-hunt to have a shot at finding (and getting) the job of your dreams.
3 Mistakes That Make it Hard to Find a Job
1. Just applying online.
Stop it. If you’re really focused on how to find a job you love ” when applying, reach out to the people you know and could/ would vouch for you, and let them know you’re looking. Something like 85% of open jobs don’t even make it online ” instead, they’re filled by people in the organization who bring in people they know. Be one of those people.
2. Being afraid to be specific about what you want.
Depending on your desperation level, you might be tempted to say to your network, I’ll take anything! But I’ll take anything! won’t ring any bells for the other person. Something like I want to use my relationship-building skills to work at a start-up that needs a customer service superstar will be able to spark the connection between you and whoever-that-person-might-know.
3. Hiding your outside interests!
Have a blog, or a side business, or a talent that you think isn’t relevant? No need to keep it a secret! Amp up the skills you learned from it and how it could apply to the job you’re seeking ” and be secure in the fact that showing yourself as a real, multi-faceted person will only work in your favor at the right company.
Finding a job can be hard but if you use your network, be specific on what types of jobs you’re looking for, and learn to show off the skills you’ve learned, it can be a little easier.
Good luck!
Michelle Ward (CPC, PCC) has 1 question for you: What do you want to be when you grow up? She’s answered that question for herself, and today she helps women transition out of soul-sucking jobs and into work that feels like play.
You may have seen or heard her on The Huffington Post, Etsy, AOL Jobs, Newsweek, SXSW, Freelancers Union, Psychology Today, the Forbes Top 100 Websites for your Career list or 100+ other media outlets. She’s the co-author of The Declaration of You!, which was published by North Light Books, and the teacher of the 2nd highest-viewed course on CreativeLive’s Craft & Makers channel, Create Your Dream Career. Or sign up for her free webinar, How to Discover Your Meaningful Biz (in 5 Easy Steps).